J. Michael Schell

Another Great Courtroom Drama

Revisado: 12-27-23

The characters in this book — well-known from prior appearances in the Connolly series — are rich, distinctive and very realistic. As are the plot development and story progress. The best, most authentic element, however, is the courtroom drama — witness testimony, lawyers presenting and arguing and leading the witnesses, interactions among the judge, prosecution and defense. And finally the case development, somewhat like the assembly of a 1000-piece puzzle over a lengthy summer vacation. Everything fits together. Eventually. And the conclusion is bittersweet only because the book was so enjoyable I wanted it never to end. Thanks, Mr. Connelley. Another masterpiece.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Tour de Force

Revisado: 10-21-23

This is a complete tapestry of the anatomy of our criminal justice system, its complexities and especially its flaws. But the narrative is richly woven through a whole cross section of lives of real fully realized human beings living the story. It approached the level of War and Peace — for me anyway. Maybe you need to be a lawyer to fully appreciate it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

One Magical Summer - One Magical Book

Revisado: 02-05-23

Normally it's just about the characters, the setting and the story for me. And this one was superb on all three fronts. Lovable, believable, flawed, sympathetic. A wonderful, realistic portrait of the restaurant life in a beautiful vacation destination setting. And the story is like a fascinating, emotion-filled road trip. But I was mesmerized by the reader -- Christina Delaine. Her range of expression and verbal scenery are magnificent. Pauses, changes in tone, pitch -- it's all there and it adds so much. I would love to “read” a sequel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Lost Ways and Redemption

Revisado: 01-29-23

It starts a bit slowly. But once all the characters and their life detours and flaws are in place the story weaves it's way to a redemptive resolution. And it does so with skill, irony, love and unflinchingly critical perception. I both enjoyed and loved the book

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Unvarnished Truth

Revisado: 06-16-21

With facts and figures this book calmly tells the unvarnished truth of how, where, why and by whom government has segregated, suppressed and sequestered Black Americans since Reconstruction ended. It is a must read for everyone who cares about our humanity.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

What A Heart This Has!!

Revisado: 03-20-18

If this book doesn’t tug at your heart strings, make you laugh, and make you grimace,you need to ask yourself if you have a heart. And if it doesn’t make you cry at least once or twice, you can be sure you’ve not not a drop of Irish blood in you. For best results read the entire trilogy. It’s a beauty.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

History & Culture -- Superlative

Revisado: 02-02-18

If you could sum up A Gentleman in Moscow in three words, what would they be?

Exquisite Russian Portrait

What other book might you compare A Gentleman in Moscow to and why?

Rules of Civility. It's America from 1938 to 1966 vs. Russia from 1922 to 1954, but same types of focus.

What does Nicholas Guy Smith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Pacing, emphasis, focus. Excellent reading.

If you could rename A Gentleman in Moscow, what would you call it?

A Russian of Quality Unbound

Any additional comments?

Superbly interesting, engaging and enjoyable book. I loved it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Good Story

Revisado: 05-02-17

The story develops nicely from its explosive beginning. The main character is appealing and sympathetic. Supporting characters are well done and equally sympathetic for the most part. The historical setting provides good background. Typically the characters are all rich and handsome/beautiful. At least the main ones are. I found it a very enjoyable D.S. Novel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Must Read American History -- 20th Century

Revisado: 11-19-16

What made the experience of listening to The Warmth of Other Suns the most enjoyable?

It is a fascinating look at three representative African-American individuals whose experience of the Great Black Migration from 1915 to 1975 is representative of what many African-Americans experienced in that period.

What did you like best about this story?

It is readable, understandable, authentic sociology and economics of that period and that experience in American history.

Have you listened to any of Robin Miles and Ken Burns (introduction) ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Epilogue is magnificent. The early years of the three central characters in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana are both heart rending and riveting.

Any additional comments?

Read the book! It is a picture of America no American should miss or avoid.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña